Barrier fence assembly

ABSTRACT

A barrier fence assembly ( 100 ) having a barrier fence body ( 102 ) has a portion thereof positioned below ground surface ( 110 ) and includes a series of barrier stakes ( 114 ) to facilitate prevention of traverse of animals across a desired boundary. The barrier stakes ( 114 ) are received through upper and lower apertures ( 150, 152 ) of a horizontal support brace ( 140 ). The horizontal support brace ( 140 ) includes horizontally disposed apertures ( 136, 138 ) through which flexible wire ties ( 160 ) can be received and releasably coupled to an adjacent wire mesh fence ( 104 ).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to barrier apparatus and, more particularly, tobarrier fence apparatus having the capability of extending below aground surface and releasably coupling to existing barrier structures.

2. Background Art

Various types of above-ground structures have been developed in pastyears for the purposes of restraining or otherwise confining animals ofa number of various species within an interior circumscribed by thebarrier. In addition, above-ground fences and other barrier structureshave been developed as well for preventing humans, as well as animals,from ingress to a circumscribed interior. Such uses to prevent ingressare numerous and varied. For example, solid, wooden or similar fenceshaving an opaque appearance may be used in situations where persons inthe circumscribed interior wish to have substantial privacy. These andother kinds of fences may also be used for safety measures, such asenclosing and preventing ingress to a swimming pool or the like. Othertypes of fences and similar barrier structures may be used when thecircumscribed interior includes landscaping, gardens and otherstructures which can be damaged by animals of various kinds gainingaccess to the interior. Animals capable of damaging landscaped interiorsand interiors comprising garden foods include moles, gofers, rabbits andthe like. Also, many fences and other barrier structures are erected forpurposes of confining dogs within a circumscribed interior or,alternatively, preventing dogs and similar animals from gaining assessto the circumscribed interior.

Although the prior are consists of numerous examples of fences and otherbarrier structures for providing the aforedescribed functions, thesestructures primarily operate above or only a small depth below theground surface. Accordingly, such barrier structures and fences ofvarious types operate in a manner which can prevent humans from ingressto or egress from the circumscribed interior, and can also operate so asto prevent relatively large animals from such ingress or egress.

However, smaller animals, particularly those which primarily live underthe ground level and those which present traits and physicalcharacteristics which facilitate the capability of burrowing from aboveto below ground level, will not necessarily be prevented from ingress oregress by an above-ground fence or a similar barrier structure.

In view of the foregoing, and as earlier stated, the prior art consistof numerous kinds of fences and other barrier structures for preventingmovement into and out of an enclosed interior area. Further, inaccordance with the prior discussion regarding animals which live withinor otherwise have the capability of burrowing underground below thelower most position of a conventional fence or other barrier structure,attempts have been made to overcome these problems through various priorart devices.

For example, Newcomb, U.S. Pat. No. 390,186 issued Sep. 25, 1888, is anearly disclosure of a fence comprising wire mesh material and woodenposts having block anchors for supporting the posts at spaced apartlocations. The Newcomb patent is relevant only in showing an early fencewith anchor wires which extend below ground level and secured tounderground anchors.

Carmichael, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0187359,published Jul. 26, 2012, describes an extendable fence in the form of anunderground fence barrier which prevents dogs from digging outunderneath the fence and escaping from a yard. Carmichael explains thatprior to his invention, various methods were utilized by homeowners toprevent their dogs from digging out from underneath the fence. Forexample, homeowners would dig below a portion of the fence and insert aboard to discourage digging. However, in such event, the dog would oftengo to another area of the fence, or dig the board out from the ground.To discourage underground digging would sometimes involve the homeownerburying chicken wire, wire mesh, large rocks or chain links under thefence. Other approaches used by homeowners include incorporating atrench filled with concrete under the fence. However, such an approachis expensive and may be impractical where a homeowner has already builta fence, and insulation of the trench in concrete would mean dismantlingthe existing fence and rebuilding the fence once the concrete has filledthe trench.

To describe the Carmichael extendible fence, reference will be made tothe reference numbers used by Carmichael in his description anddrawings. Specifically, Carmichael discloses an underground fencebarrier 10. The fence barrier 10 includes a series of barrier strips 50,with a corresponding series of stakes 20. The barrier strip 50 isdescribed as being constructed in the form of a longitudinal half pipeor half cylinder section, because plastic pipe is readily available andeasy to cut. However, Carmichael further explains that the barrier strip50 could also be constructed with a flat configuration, or othersuitable shape. Because the barrier strip 50 is provided in sections,the strip 50 can be attached in series to another barrier strip 50 so asto form a continuous barrier around the entirety of the fence 80 using aseries of fastening devices, such as screws, nails or the like. Inaddition, Carmichael describes the concept that the barrier strip 50 canbe provided in the form of a continuous coil which is rolled outalongside the length of the fence 80. The strip 50 could include aseries of equidistant openings 60, so that a stake 20 can be insertedthrough each of the openings 60 and a lower point 40 of each stake 20 isdriven below the ground surface 70. The equidistant openings 60 arespaced sufficiently close together so as to prevent a dog from crawlingor tunneling through to the opposite side of the fence 80. Carmichaelexplains that the openings 60 are preferably spaced approximately fourinches apart, and two inches from the end of the barrier strip 50.Carmichael further explains that it is considered important to achieve aclose spacing of the stakes 20, so as to achieve the desired protectivebarrier around the fence 80.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 of Carmichael, it is explained that theopenings 60 that are cut through the barrier strip 50 are cut so as tomatch the cross-sectional shape of the stakes 20. In this manner, theopenings 60 can serve as key holes are dimensioned just slightly smallerthan the stakes 20. The relatively close tolerance between the key holesand the stakes 20 yield a relatively tight and secure fit. The key holesserve as a means to securely fit the stakes in the barrier strip, butCarmichael further explains that other means can be used tosatisfactorily secure the fit. The fit is considered important becauseit resists any upward movement in the soil which would force the stakes20 upward and out of the soil, thereby enabling the dog to dig downwardand crawl between the remaining stakes 20. Further, the secure fitallows vertical adjustment of a stake 20 so as to install theunderground fence barrier 10 along a fence 80 on uneven terrain. In acase of such uneven terrain, a relatively longer stake length would beselected, depending upon the distance between the bottom of the fenceand the ground.

The series of stakes 20 are used to anchor the barrier strip 50 to theground 70. The stakes 20, barrier strip 50 and fence 80 are coplanar toeach other. As shown in FIGS. 3, 6 and 7 of Carmichael, the stakes 20may be of a concave-shape, but Carmichael explains that any shape issuitable, so long as it would match the keyhole openings 60 in thebarrier strip 50. Carmichael further explains that the stakes 20 couldbe in the form of rods, nails or the like. The stakes 20 are provided indiffering lengths, and are selected depending upon the distance betweenthe bottom of the fence 80 and the ground 70, and also depending uponthe nature of the soil. A relatively longer stake 20 would be moreappropriate if the soil in a certain area is softer or more easily dug.A stake 20 could be inserted into each of the openings 60 and driveninto the ground 70 so as to provide the underground barrier. Each stake20 has an enlarged head 30, which limits the downward passage of eachstake 20 when it contacts the barrier strip 50. Each stake 20 has alower point 40 that extends into the ground 70.

Carmichael further explains that a preferred method of using theCarmichael extendible fence includes a method of construction startingwith the positioning of a barrier strip section as close as possible tothe existing fence. A stake is then inserted through the keyholeopenings at the ends of the barrier strip section and driven into theground. The remaining stakes are then inserted through the remainingkeyhole openings in the barrier strip and also driven into the ground.An appropriate stake length is selected based upon the nature of thesoil, the dog's ability to tunnel and the nature of the terrain.

Still further, Carmichael explains that the underground fence barriermay be provided in kit form, with a plurality of barrier strip 50sections and stakes 20. The barrier strip 50 may be provided in the formof a continuous coil that has rolled out along the edge of the fence.The stakes may be provided at different variations, as shown in FIGS. 3,6, and 7. In addition, the kit would be designed so as to contain a setof installation instructions.

Another publication directed to fences and prevention of dogs fromdigging under the fences is OHAI, U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2002/0190248 published Dec. 19, 2002. Again with reference to thenumerals used in the disclosure in the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates awrought iron fence indicated generally by reference character 10. Thefence 10 includes a pair of posts 11 and 12, to which an upper rail 13and a lower rail 14 are supported. The fence includes a series ofvertical styles 15 fixed to the rails 13, 14. The bottom 16 of the fence10 is positioned near or above the ground surface 17. The fence includesan addition having a horizontal support bar 18 fixed to the fence nearthe bottom edge 16 thereof. A series of guide tubes 19 are welded orotherwise secured to the horizontal support bar 18. A spike 20 is passedthrough each guide tube. Each spike 20 has a point 21 which is drivenbelow the ground surface 17. Each spike can include an enlarged head 22which limits the downward passage of each stake when it contacts theupper surface of a guide tube 19. Preferably, spikes at differentlengths are used, so that if the bottom 16 of the fence 10 is furtherfrom the ground surface 17, a longer spike can be used. Conversely, ifthe ground surface is touching the bottom 16 of the fence 10, a shorterspike can be used.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the guide tubes as being rectangular, with thespikes having a cylindrical configuration. It is explained by providingrectangular tubes, they can be more securely attachable to thehorizontal support bar 18.

OHAI further explains that although these support tubes can be welded orotherwise affixed to the horizontal support bar 18, or to the lower rail14, it is contemplated that the support bar 18 could be provided with aseries of hooks 23 which may be placed over the lower rail 14. With achain link fence, the hooks can simply be placed with any openings ofthe fence. By driving spikes 20 into the ground and passing them throughguide tubes 19, the spikes support the guide tubes 19, which in turnsupports lower 14. In this matter, the addition to the fence can beapplied by a homeowner to an existing, installed fence.

A process for using the addition is described as including the steps ofattaching a horizontal support bar to the fence near the bottom thereof.The support bar has a plurality of spaced guide tubes vertically heldthereby. A spike is inserted through each of the guide tubes and driveninto the ground. This provides an underground barrier to discourage dogsfrom digging under the fence. Preferably, an appropriate spike length isselected depending upon the distance the bottom of the fence is from theground, and also depending upon the nature of the ground. If soil in acertain area is softer or more easily dug, a longer spike isappropriate. If the lower rail is supported by hooks, the processincludes a step of hooking the horizontal support bar to the fence,before passing the spike through the guide tubes.

An alternative embodiment of the spikes is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.In FIG. 5, a gate 24 is shown held between posts 25 and 26. If spikes 27are held in guide tube 19, and supported above the surface of a concretewalk 28 by an upper O-ring 29. The O-ring 29 tightly fits around thespike 27, and abuts the upper surface 30 of the guide tube 19. A lowerring 31 helps to prevent a dog or other animal from lifting a spike andescaping. The spike 27 does not have a head, since the upper ring limitsthe downward travel through the guide tube 19.

An issued patent directed to preventing passage of rodents below groundand through a perimeter of a manufactured home is disclosed in Bushong,U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,187 issued Sep. 23, 1997. The Bushong patentdescribes a rodent guard adapted for use with a skirting systemperimetrically extending about the outer lower perimeter of amanufactured home. The home is statically supported in space relationwith the underlying earth surface through spacers. The home can includea lower, horizontal strip that can be loosened so that the upper lip ofthe skirting system can be inserted into the space between the strip andthe outer lower wall of the home. The skirting system can include aseries of longitudinally aligned, interconnected vertical panels havingan upper lip which can be introduced under the loosened strip.

The skirting system includes an elongate, upperwardly opening, lowerretainer or channel, having a bottom wall for resting on the surface ofthe ground or earth. The channel includes a laterally inner upstandingleg and laterally outer outstanding leg or lip spaced a slight distancefrom the lower terminal margin of the panel. The lower marginal end ofthe panel is freely received in the channel so as to allow a slightvertical movement there between.

The problem with rodents particularly arises when the earth below thechannel washes out or otherwise could be easily dug out by a rodent, soas to allow the passage to the underside of the house. When the dirt isremoved, the skirt becomes increasingly unstable and forces, such aswind blowing in the proper direction on the skirt, will dislodge thelower end of the panels, and cause the panels to become unsightly andfully allow the passage of rodents. The rodent guard includes a meshscreen having a series of vertically extending and longitudinally spacedapart vertical wires welded or otherwise suitably secured to a series ofvertically spaced apart, horizontally displaced horizontal wires, so asto define a series of ground receiving openings or interstices. Theguard includes an elongate, upstanding or vertical barrier wall,including at its upper end a laterally inwardly offset flange and at itslower end, a laterally outwardly offset barrier flange. The flange isabove ground, while the barrier flange is below the earth surface andextends generally perpendicular to the plane of the barrier wall. Theguard can be formed from a unitary piece of galvanized steel mesh,having a quarter inch opening, but may also be manufactured fromaluminum and/or stainless steel.

The interstices also allow underground electrical wires or small waterpipes to pass through without having to cut holes in the rodent guard.The upper flange includes a downwardly opening, generally U-shapedchannel, having a down-turned elongated terminal lip 51 adapted toreceive the laterally outer, upstanding lip 34 of the channel member.The flange is not bolted, screwed, or otherwise attached to themanufactured home, nor to the skirting system, but freely verticallyflows so as to allow for slight variations and shifting in the Earth'ssurface, while maintaining the integrity of the barrier so as to preventrodents from passing between the flange and the cooperate U-shapedretainer. Accordingly, in addition to functioning so as to inhibit thepassage of rodents beneath the skirting system, the rodent guardstabilizes and increases the stability of the skirting.

In operation, the user will temporarily remove the laterally outer earthalong the designated area, to a specific depth and install the guardwith the upper terminal lip being received between a lower marginal edgeof the panel and the upturned lip or flange. The earth is then returnedto its original position. The terminal lip is not coupled with theflange but instead is completely moveable relative thereto for a slightundulation in the Earth's surface, and for slight vertical variations inearth movement, the presence of the guard buried under the earth willstabilize the lower end of the skirting system. If wind or otheraboveground forces are exerted on the skirt, in a particular direction,the lip will exert force, in a different direction, on the upturned lip.When the temporarily removed earth is replaced, it will freely passthrough the interstices and openings in the barrier wall as the earthshifts and moves with changing weather and conditions. As the groundshifts with frost conditions and the like, the dirt will tend to moverelative to the barrier as opposed to moving the barrier and distortingand shifting the same. Rodents may tend to dig and remove the earth fromthe area designated along the laterally outer side of the barrier wall.If the rodents dig downwardly a sufficient distance to reach the lowerflange, the rodents will be inhibited from further direct passage andare unlikely to continue to dig laterally outwardly, in a direction asshown in the drawings.

As an alternative embodiment, the Bushong patent discusses the fact thatduring formation and shearing of the stainless steel mesh screen,terminal ends of the horizontal wires will project laterally outwardlybeyond the two laterally outermost or marginal ones of the verticalwires and the terminal ends of the vertical wires may project verticallyoutwardly beyond the upper and lower marginal ones of the horizontalwires, thus resulting in sharp projections which could cause injury tothe user during installation. To overcome this problem, the marginaledge portions, including the projections and lower terminal and sideprojections, and the marginal wires may be coated with a layer ofplastic, which bonds to the stainless steel mesh along the verticalmargins and the lower margin. The plastic coating protects users frombeing inadvertently “poked” by the side terminal and projections andlower terminal end projections. Bushong further discloses a process forcoating or encapsulating the margins, which provides for temporarilydipping the lower marginal wires and the side marginal wires, and theside marginal projections and lower marginal projections into a liquidplastic bath. It should be noted that the uppermost marginal wire anduppermost adjacent projections are not encapsulated, so as to notinterfere with the installation between the upstanding lip and the lowermargin of the skirt panel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, a barrier fence assembly is providedfor preventing traverse of certain animals across a desired boundarybelow a ground surface. The barrier fence assembly is adapted to becoupled to an adjacent fence or other barrier having a substantialportion of the same extending a finite height above the ground surface.The barrier fence assembly includes a barrier fence body comprising aplurality of vertically disposed and elongated barrier stakes adapted tobe spaced apart and sunk into earth below the ground surface. Further,each of the barrier stakes also includes an upper section which extendsabove the ground surface. The barrier fence body includes a horizontalsupport brace having an elongated configuration, and extending across awidth of the barrier fence body. The horizontal support brace includes atop side and a bottom side, with a series of upper apertures extendingthrough the top side, and a corresponding series of lower aperturesextending through the bottom side. Upper sections of each of the barrierstakes extend through individual ones of the upper apertures andcorresponding lower apertures. Still further, the barrier fence assemblyincludes coupling means for coupling the barrier fence body to theadjacent fence.

In accordance with further concepts associated with the invention, thecoupling means for coupling the barrier fence body to the adjacent fenceincludes a series of coupling apertures, each of the apertures extendinghorizontally through a corresponding one of the barrier stakes withinthe upper sections of the stakes. The coupling apertures are positionedabove a horizontal plane through which the horizontal support braceextends. Means extend through the coupling apertures for directlycoupling the upper sections of the barrier stakes to the adjacent fence.In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the means extendingthrough the coupling apertures can provide for releasable coupling ofthe barrier fence assembly to the adjacent fence. In accordance withfurther aspects of the invention, the means for releasably coupling cancomprise flexible wire ties which are extended through the couplingapertures and around fencing elements of the adjacent fence. In oneembodiment of the invention, the adjacent fence can be a wire meshfence.

In other embodiments of the invention, the means extending through thecoupling apertures can comprise a series of screws or bolts extendingthrough materials which form elements of the adjacent fence. Stillfurther, in accordance with these other embodiments, the adjacent fencecan comprise a wooden slat fence. In this regard, the bolts or screwscan comprise a series of tapered wood screws.

In accordance with further concepts of the invention, the verticallydisposed and elongated barrier stakes can comprise a lowermost endhaving a downwardly tapered configuration. Each of the tapered ends ofthe barrier stakes can terminate as a lower most portion in a relativelysharp point.

Still further, the series of barrier stakes can comprise stakes ofdiffering lengths. In this regard, the plurality of barrier stakes cancomprise a first set of barrier stakes, each having a first length, anda second set of barrier stakes, each having a second length. The firstset of barrier stakes can be alternately spaced apart with the secondset of barrier stakes along a length of the horizontal support brace.Still further, the first length of the first set of barrier stakes canbe one-half of the second length of the second set of barrier stakes.

In accordance with further aspects of the invention, each of the barrierstakes can further comprise a main body positioned below the uppersection and integral with the upper section. Further, a lower end can bepositioned below the main body and be integral therewith. Each of thelower ends can include a beveled or downwardly tapered configuration.Further, each of the main bodies can have a cross-sectionalconfiguration substantially identical to cross-sectional configurationsof the upper sections of the barrier stakes. Further, thecross-sectional configurations of the main body and the upper section ofeach of the barrier stakes can be cylindrical in shape. In addition,each of the barrier stakes can be constructed as a solid steel rod. Inone embodiment of the invention, the main body of each of the barrierstakes can have a cross-sectional diameter of approximately 0.375inches. Correspondingly, each of the lower ends of the barrier stakescan be of a longitudinal dimension of approximately 0.75 inches inlength. In addition, each of the first set of barrier stakes can have anoverall length of approximately 9.0 inches, while each of the second setof barrier stakes can have an overall length of approximately 18.0inches. Each of the barrier stakes can also be spaced apart fromadjacent ones of the barrier stakes within the barrier fence body byapproximately 2.0 inches. Still further, each of the coupling aperturescan have a diameter of approximately 5/32 inches. In addition, each ofthe upper sections of the barrier stakes can extend upwardly beyond thetop side of the horizontal support brace for a vertical distance ofapproximately 1.25 inches. In addition, the horizontal support brace cancomprise a square cross-sectional configuration, with each side of thecross-sectional configuration, including the top side and the bottomside, being of a dimension of approximately 0.75 inches.

In accordance with other concepts of the invention, the barrier fenceassembly can be formed with a plurality of barrier fence bodies. Thebarrier fence bodies can be sized and configured so as to be stackableone on top of another in a relatively compact configuration. Stillfurther, the barrier fence assembly can be characterized as modular indesign, in that a size of the barrier fence assembly can be modified byadding or subtracting identical ones of the barrier fence bodies alongan adjacent fence line. The barrier fence assembly formed with theseries of barrier fence bodies can be configured so that the barrierfence bodies form a straight line configuration along the adjacent fenceline. Still further, the barrier fence assembly can be configured sothat at least two of the barrier fence bodies are angled relative toeach other, or are otherwise in differing vertical planes.

In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the upper sections ofthe barrier stakes can be permanently connected to the horizontalsupport brace at the upper apertures and the lower apertures of thehorizontal support brace. Still further, the barrier stakes can bepermanently connected to the horizontal support brace through weldmentslocated at the upper apertures and the lower apertures of the horizontalsupport brace.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a front right perspective view of an embodiment of a barrierfence assembly in accordance with the invention, and showing the barrierfence body releasably coupled to a conventional wire mesh fence havingend ties and diamond-shaped openings;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the barrier fence body shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the barrier fence body shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a left-side end view of the barrier fence body shown in FIG.2;

FIG. 5 is a side, sectional view of one of the barrier stakes as it hasbeen received within a horizontal support brace, and further showingreleasable coupling of the vertical barrier stake to the conventionalwire mesh fence, taken along section lines 5-5 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front, right perspective view of a section of the barrierfence assembly shown in FIG. 1, and showing a pair of adjacent barrierrods as they are received within the horizontal support brace and asthey are releasably coupled to the wire mesh fence, taken within circleVI of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the barrier fence, showing the relativepositioning of the plurality of barrier fence stakes as they would bepositioned so as to be received within apertures spaced along andthrough the horizontal support brace;

FIG. 8 is a front, right perspective view of the barrier fence assemblysimilar to that shown in FIG. 1, but showing use of the barrier fenceassembly with a wooden slat fence.

FIG. 9 is a side, sectional view of the barrier fence assembly shown inFIG. 8, with the view of FIG. 9 being similar to that of FIG. 5, andshowing an alternative method of coupling the barrier fence assembly tothe slats of the wooden slat fence, with the view being taken alongsection lines 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front, right perspective view similar to that of FIG. 6,and showing a pair of adjacent barrier stakes as they are coupled to thewooden slat fence, with FIG. 10 corresponding to the view within thecircle X of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a front, upper perspective view of an alternative embodimentof the barrier fence assembly shown in FIG. 1 and showing the use of thebarrier fence (without showing any adjacent, conventional fence in FIG.11) with two sections which are positioned substantially perpendicularto each other; and

FIG. 12 is a front, right perspective view showing the barrier fenceshown in FIG. 1, and showing its relative positioning within a groundsurface, and further showing conventional animals such as dogs andmoles, positioned in a manner so as to attempt to burrow under thebarrier fence.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The principles of the invention are disclosed, by way of example, in twoalternative embodiments of barrier fence assemblies as disclosed andillustrated herein. Specifically, one of the embodiments is barrierfence assembly 100 disclosed in subsequent paragraphs herein andillustrated in FIGS. 1-7, 11 and 12. A second and alternative embodimentof a barrier fence assembly in accordance with the invention is barrierfence assembly 200, also disclosed herein and illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9and 10. Advantageously, barrier fences in accordance with the inventionand as disclosed herein provide for and facilitate prevention oftraverse across a desired boundary below a ground surface and throughsoils or other materials which are permeable to dogs, rodents (such asmoles, groundhogs, etc.) and other creatures of similar size. Inaddition, barrier fence assemblies in accordance with the invention havethe capability of being coupled (either permanently or releasably) to anexisting structure that is primarily located above a ground surface(such as an above ground wire mesh fence or the like).

Still further, barrier fence assemblies in accordance with the inventioncan be selectively produced in a manner so as to provide for differencesin not only width of the barrier assembly, but also the desired depth towhich the barrier fence assembly extends below ground surface. Stillfurther, barrier fence assemblies in accordance with the invention canprovide for below ground surface barrier elements which vary in depthalong a longitudinal and substantially horizontal length of the barrierassembly. In this same regard, the barrier fence assemblies inaccordance with the invention can be manufactured and installed in a“modular” configuration. That is, the barrier fence assemblies can bemanufactured and installed in individual barrier fence sections. Ifdesired, the sections can be maintained separately or, alternatively,adjacent barrier fence sections can be releasably coupled together.

Still further, it should be noted that during the process ofinstallation, the individual barrier fence sections can be installed ina manner such that two or more of the fence sections form a straightline configuration. Alternatively, the individual barrier fence sectionscan be set at both acute and obtuse angles relative to one another. Inaddition, even with the barrier fence sections angled relative to oneanother, the sections would still have the capability of having adjacentsections permanently or releasably coupled to one another.

In general, barrier fence assemblies in accordance with the inventioncan be characterized as underground fence systems and undergroundbarrier systems. In addition, such systems can further be characterizedas underground rodent control fencing systems. Further, in view of theuse of the barrier fence assemblies below ground, the assemblies can becharacterized as sub-barrier fence systems. Still further, in view ofthe capability of coupling of adjacent fence sections to one another,and the capability of releasably or permanently coupling the fencesections to an above ground fence or similar barrier system, the barrierfence assemblies in accordance with the invention can be characterizedas comprising an underground interlocking fence system. Still further,and as will be apparent from subsequent description herein, the barrierfence assemblies in accordance with the invention can be characterizedas self-installation, in ground or underground fence systems. Inaddition, based upon the particular materials used for the barrier fenceassemblies, such assemblies can also be characterized as providing steelrod fencing for underground systems.

The barrier fence assembly 100 will now be described primarily withrespect to FIGS. 1-7, 11 and 12. With reference first and primarily toFIGS. 1-4, the barrier fence assembly includes what can be characterizedas a barrier fence body 102, shown in full perspective view in FIG. 1,and with front elevation, plan and one side or end views of the body 102illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Primarily in FIGS. 1 and6, the barrier fence assembly 100 is shown utilized with an above groundadjacent fence 104. Adjacent fence 104 can be any of a number ofdiffering and commercially available fences. For example, the adjacentfence 104 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6 is typically characterized as awire mesh fence. Such wire mesh fences are often used for residentialyards, commercial facilities, and other sites where it is desired tohave a sturdy above ground barrier, but also one which is relativelyvisually open and permits a person to see an area located on the otherside of the fence from which the person is located. As shown primarilyin FIG. 1, the adjacent fence 104 includes a series of crossing orintersecting adjacent fence wires 106. The adjacent fence wires 106 formspatial openings 107, with the openings taking a form dependent upon theparticular crossing and/or interlocking of the adjacent fence wires 106.In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the spatial openings107 take the form of diamond-shaped openings. These diamond-shapedopenings or spatial openings 107 are formed by crossing or intersectingadjacent fence wires which essentially intersect at what can becharacterized as looping locations 108. The looping locations 108 aresometimes manufactured merely with the adjacent fence wires 106 crossingat these locations. Alternatively, and as most often used, the loopinglocations 108 are formed by adjacent fence wires 106 twisting aroundeach other or, in some instances, actually being secured together, suchas by welding functions and the like. Also, it should be noted that theadjacent fence 104 will typically have vertically disposed stanchions orother types of supports for fixedly maintaining the adjacent fence 104in a vertically disposed and upright position, as shown in FIG. 1. Forpurposes of clarity, and in view of such stanchions or other supportsbeing well known and commercially available, the same are not shown inFIG. 1. However, it can be assumed that such stanchions or othersupports would be spaced apart at regular intervals along thelongitudinal length of the fence 104. Also, it should further be notedthat the adjacent fence 104 would typically function solely as an aboveground fence. That is, the fence 104 would not provide for any type of abarrier preventing animals from crossing the vertical plane of the fence104, but below a ground surface 110. In some instances, the fence 104may protrude downwardly below the ground surface 110, but only for lessthan an inch or two.

Although the adjacent fence 104 is shown as a wire mesh fence, it shouldbe emphasized that barrier fence assemblies in accordance with theinvention are not, in any manner, limited to use with above ground fencestructures consisting of wire mesh fences or other fences specificallydescribed herein. That is, the assemblies in accordance with theinvention could be utilized with many different types of well-known andcommercially available fences.

As earlier stated, the adjacent fence 104 will be utilized substantiallyabove the ground surface 110. For purposes of the description, it isassumed that the materials below the ground surface 110 may consist ofearth 112 or other types of soils. Further, the materials below theground surface 110, and within which the barrier fence assembly 100 willbe positioned, may consist of materials other than earth and soils orthe like. For example, the fence assemblies in accordance with theinvention may be utilized with the materials below the ground surface110 consisting of sand, gravel, or other materials which certain animalsmay be capable of permeating or otherwise passing through.

Turning again primarily to FIGS. 1-4, the barrier fence body 102includes a series of vertically disposed and elongated barrier stakes114. The stakes 114 as shown in FIG. 1 comprise a first set of barrierstakes 116, and a second set of barrier stakes 118. In the particularembodiment of the barrier fence assembly 100 in accordance with theinvention, the first set of barrier stakes 116 are alternatelypositioned with respect to adjacent ones of the second set of barrierstakes 118. That is, stakes 116 and 118 alternate along a longitudinaland horizontal axis of the assembly 100. Further, the first set ofbarrier stakes 116 include a main body 120 which has an elongated lengthand may have any number of different cross-sections, includingrectangular, cylindrical or the like. The main body 120 of the barrierstakes 116 may be constructed integral with other portions of the firstbarrier stakes 116. In one embodiment familiar to the inventors, themain body 120, as well as the remainder of the first barrier stakes 116,may be constructed as a solid steel rod having the main body 120 with across-sectional diameter of 0.375 inches or the like. Correspondingly,each of the first barrier stakes 116 includes a beveled lower end 124,again primarily shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. This lower end 124 can have abeveled or tapered configuration which results in a point 132 at thelowermost end of the first barrier stakes 116. This beveledconfiguration with the relatively sharp end or lower point 132facilitates insertion of the first barrier stakes 116 into the groundsurface 110 and earth 112, or other materials which form the belowground area to which the barrier fence assembly 100 will be applied.

The upper portion of each of the first barrier stakes 116 includes anupper section 128 illustrated in substantial part in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4-7.The upper section 128 of each of the barrier stakes 116 can have acircular or other shape corresponding to the cross-sectionalconfiguration of the corresponding main body 120. Also, the uppersection 128 can be constructed substantially of a solid material, suchas in the formation of a steel rod or the like. Notwithstanding theupper section 128 having a solid composition throughout, each of theupper sections 128 includes an aperture 136 which extends substantiallyperpendicular to the extension of the lateral surfaces of the uppersections 128, and extend entirely through the upper sections 128. Theapertures may be formed through drilling of the same either prior to thebarrier fence assembly 100 being positioned at its installationlocation, or at its manufacturing site. As will be described insubsequent paragraphs herein, apertures 136 are utilized to facilitateattachment of the barrier fence assembly 100 to the adjacent fence wires106 of the adjacent fence 104.

In addition to the formation of the apertures 136 within the firstbarrier stakes 116, each of the first barrier stakes 116, as describedin subsequent paragraphs herein, extends vertically through ahorizontally disposed support brace 140. The support brace 140 may beconstructed of steel or similar materials, and preferably has asubstantially hollow interior. If desired, the support brace 140 may,like the barrier stakes 114, be constructed of steel materials. In theparticular embodiment of the barrier fence assembly 100 describedherein, and as specifically shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, the support brace140 can be of a substantially rectangular configuration. As furthershown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the support brace 140 can have what ischaracterized (solely for purposes of description) as an interior side142 and an external side 144. The sides are designated as “interior” and“exterior” solely for purposes of illustration and orientation, and canbe considered such that the interior side 142 is farthest away from theadjacent fence 104, while the exterior 144 is relatively closer indistance to the adjacent fence 104. Correspondingly, and with referencein particular to FIGS. 5 and 6, the horizontally disposed support brace140 also includes what can be characterized as a top side or surface 146and a bottom side or surface 148. Extending vertically through the topside 146 at spaced apart intervals are a series of upper apertures 150.Correspondingly, an equal number of lower apertures 152 are positionedthrough and spaced apart along the bottom side or surface 148 of thesupport brace 140. The upper apertures 150 and the lower apertures 152preferably will each have a cylindrical configuration, corresponding tothe shape of the cross-sections of the barrier stakes 114. In addition,the sizing of the upper apertures 150 and lower apertures 152 should besuch that they are equal in diameter to each other and also to the outerdiameter of the upper sections 128, 130 of the first barrier stakes 116and second barrier stakes 118, respectively. Still further, the upperapertures 150 and lower apertures 152 should preferably be not onlyconcentric with each other, but also be coaxial with each other. Inpractical effect, the diameters of the upper apertures 150 and lowerapertures 152 should be slightly greater than the diameters of thebarrier stakes 116 and 118. This is to facilitate the upper sections128, 130 of the barrier stakes 116, 118, respectively, being receivedvertically through the apertures 150, 152.

More specifically, the barrier stakes 114 are extended through the upperapertures 150 and lower apertures 152 in a manner so that there is aportion of the upper sections 128 and 130 extending upwardly through andabove the upper apertures 150. For purposes of securing the barrierstakes 114 to the support brace 140, weldments 154 can be utilized. Morespecifically, and as particularly shown in FIG. 5, the weldments 154 canconsist of a set of upper weldments 156 which secure the support brace140 to each of the barrier stakes 114 at the positions of the upperapertures 150. Correspondingly, a set of lower weldments 158 areutilized to secure and couple together the lower apertures 152 of thesupport brace 140 to the upper sections 128, 130 of the barrier stakes114. Preferably, the formation of the weldments 154 is performed at thesite of manufacture of the barrier fence assemblies 100.

As somewhat related in the prior paragraphs, the second set of barrierstakes 118 have a physical configuration substantially corresponding tothe configuration of the first barrier stakes 116. However, and as madeapparent in the illustrations, for example, of FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, thelongitudinal lengths of the first barrier stakes 116 are substantiallyshorter than the longitudinal lengths of the second barrier stakes 118.In addition, and as shown in the drawings, the first barrier stakes 116can be alternately positioned relative to the second barrier stakes 118,so that “every other” ones of the barrier stakes 114 correspond inlength to each other. It is believed that this alternation of lengths ofthe individual barrier stakes 114 facilitates installation of thebarrier fence assemblies 100 into the earth 112 or other below groundmaterial. In addition, using certain ones of the barrier stakes 114 withrelatively lesser lengths can reduce the overall weight and costassociated with the barrier fence assemblies 100.

Again referring to the elements of the first barrier stakes 116 comparedto the second barrier stakes 118, the prior paragraphs refer to the mainbody 120 of the stakes 116. Corresponding main bodies 122 are associatedwith the stakes 118. In addition, and as earlier described, the barrierstakes 116 include beveled lower ends 124. Corresponding beveled lowerends 126 exist for the stakes 118. Also as previously described, thebarrier stakes 114 include upper sections 128. Corresponding uppersections 130 exist for the barrier stakes 118. Still further, the firstbarrier stakes 116 include lowermost points 132 at the termination endsof the beveled lower ends 124. Correspondingly, the second barrierstakes 118 include lowermost points 134 positioned at the terminationends of the beveled lower ends 126 of the second barrier stakes 118.

As earlier stated, the support braces 140 and the barrier stakes 114 inaccordance with the invention are not limited to the specificconfigurations or construction materials as described herein. Stillfurther, the sizing of the barrier fence body 102 and the support brace140 can also vary, without departing from the spirit and scope of thenovel concepts of the invention. As an example of the sizing andconstruction materials, and again without limiting the scope of theinvention, the support brace 140 can be constructed of a steel tubing.For example, this tubing may have a rectangular configuration and have asquare cross-sectional orientation, with the sizing being 0.75 by 0.75inches. Correspondingly, the barrier stakes 114 may be constructed assolid steel rods, with each of the first barrier stakes 116 and secondbarrier stakes 118 having a cylindrical cross-sectional configuration,with a diameter of 0.375 inches associated with the main bodies 120, 122and the upper sections 128, 130. Each of the barrier stakes 114 may alsohave its corresponding beveled lower end 124 or 126 formed with thebevel or tapering occurring during the lowermost 0.75 inches of each ofthe stakes 114.

As also described, each of the barrier stakes 114 is welded to the topside 146 and the bottom side 148 of the support brace 140 at thelocations of the upper apertures 150 and lower apertures 152. Again,however, other means of attachment can be utilized for the supportbraces 140 and barrier stakes 114, without departing from the novelconcepts of the invention. Still further, with respect to the apertures136 of the barrier stakes 116, and the apertures 138 of the barrierstakes 118, each may have a cylindrical configuration, with a diameterof five/32 inches.

In accordance with a substantial portion of the prior paragraphs,elements associated with the first barrier stakes 116 of the barrierstakes 114 were described. In addition to the elements of the firstbarrier stakes 116, the barrier stakes 114 also consist of the secondbarrier stakes 118, with corresponding elements. First, as made apparentfrom FIGS. 1, 2 and 7, the second set of barrier stakes 118 arerelatively longer than the first set of barrier stakes 116. For example,in one experimental embodiment known to the inventors, the longitudinallength of each of the first set of barrier stakes 116 was approximately9 inches. Correspondingly, the longitudinal and elongated length of thesecond set of barrier stakes 118 was approximately 18 inches. Althoughthese dimensions represent one embodiment, it should be emphasized thatthe invention is not limited to any one specific set of lengths for thestakes 116, 118.

As earlier stated, the first set of barrier stakes 116 can bealternately positioned with respect to adjacent ones of the second setof barrier stakes 118. This configuration again is shown in FIGS. 1, 2and 7. That is, the stakes 116 and 118 alternate along a longitudinaland horizontal axis of the assembly 100. Further, the second set ofbarrier stakes 118 each include a main body 122 which has an elongatedlength and may have any number of different cross-sectionalconfigurations, including rectangular, cylindrical or the like. The mainbody 122 of the barrier stakes 118 may be constructed integral withother portions of the second set of barrier stakes 118. In oneembodiment familiar to the inventors, the main body, as well as theremainder of the second barrier stakes 118, may be constructed as asolid steel rod having the main body 122 with a cross-sectional diameterof 0.375 inches or the like. Correspondingly, and as with the firstbarrier stakes 116, each of the second barrier stakes 118 can include abeveled lower end 126, again primarily shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4. Thislower end 126 can have a beveled or tapered configuration which resultsin a point 134 at the lower most end of the second barrier stakes 118.This beveled configuration, with a relatively sharp end or lower point134, facilitates insertion of the second barrier stakes 118 into theground surface 110 and earth 112, or other materials which form thebelow ground area to which the barrier fence assembly 100 will beapplied.

The upper portion of each of the second barrier stakes 118 includes anupper section 130 illustrated in substantial part in FIGS. 1, 2, and4-7. This upper section 130 of each of the barrier stakes 118 can have acircular or other shape corresponding to the cross-sectionalconfiguration of the corresponding main body 122. Also, the uppersection 130 can be constructed substantially of a solid material, suchas in the formation of a steel rod or the like. Notwithstanding theupper section 130 having a solid composition throughout, each of theupper sections 128 includes an aperture 138 which extends substantiallyperpendicular to the extension of the lateral surfaces of the uppersections 130, and extend entirely through the upper sections 130. Theapertures 138 may be formed through drilling of the same either prior tothe barrier fence assembly 100 being positioned at its installationlocation, or, alternatively, preferably at the site of manufacture ofthe barrier fence assembly 100. As will be described in subsequentparagraphs herein, the apertures 138 can be utilized to facilitateattachment of the barrier fence assembly 100 to the adjacent fence wires106 of the adjacent fence 104.

In addition to the formation of the apertures 138 within the secondbarrier stakes 118, each of the second barrier stakes 118, as describedin subsequent paragraphs herein, extends vertically through thehorizontally disposed support brace 140, in the same manner as the firstbarrier stakes 116. Also, as previously described, the support brace 140may be constructed of steel or similar materials, and preferably has asubstantially hollow interior.

The details for the structure of the support brace 140 have beendescribed in previous paragraphs herein, and will not be repeated forthe relative coupling and structural relationships between thehorizontal support brace 140 and the second barrier stakes 118, in viewof the fact that this relationship between the stakes 118 and supportbrace 140 is substantially identical to the relationship between thefirst barrier stakes 116 and the horizontal support brace 140.

That is, each of the second barrier stakes 118 extend vertically throughthe horizontally disposed support brace 140. In the particularembodiment shown herein, the support brace 140 is of a substantiallyrectangular configuration with the interior side 142 and exterior side144. The interior side 142 can be characterized as farthest away fromthe adjacent fence 104, while the exterior side 144 is relatively closerin distance to the adjacent fence 104. As also previously described, thehorizontally disposed support brace includes what could be characterizedas a top side or surface 146, and a bottom side or surface 148.Extending through the top side 146 at spaced apart intervals are aseries of upper apertures 150. Correspondingly, an equal number of lowerapertures 152 are positioned through and spaced apart along the bottomside of surface 148 of the support brace 140. The upper apertures 150and the lower apertures 152 preferably have cylindrical configurations,corresponding to the shapes of the cross-sections of the barrier stakes116 and 118. In addition, the sizing of the upper apertures 150 andlower apertures 152 should be such that they are equal in diameter toeach other, and also to the outer diameter of the upper sections 128,130 of the first barrier stakes 116 and second barrier stakes 118,respectively. Still further, the upper apertures 150 and lower apertures152 are preferably not only concentric with each other, but also coaxialwith each other. In practical effect, the diameters of the upperapertures 150 and lower apertures 152 should be slightly greater thanthe diameters of the barrier stakes 118. This is to facilitate the uppersections 130 of the barrier stakes 118 to be readily received verticallythrough the apertures 150, 152.

More specifically, the barrier stakes 118 are extended through the upperapertures 150 and lower apertures 152 in a manner so that there is aportion of the upper sections 130 extending upwardly through and abovethe upper apertures 150. For purposes of securing the barrier stakes 118to the support brace 140, and as with the barrier stakes 116, weldments154 can be utilized to secure the barrier stakes 118 to the supportbracket 140. As particularly shown in FIG. 5, the weldments 154 canconsist of a set of upper weldments 156 which secures the support braceto each of the barrier stakes 118 at the positions of the upperapertures 150. Correspondingly, a set of lower weldments 158 areutilized to secure and couple together the lower apertures 152 of thesupport brace 140 to the upper sections 130 of the barrier stakes 118.As also earlier stated, the formation of the weldments 154 is preferablyperformed at the site of manufacture of the barrier fence assemblies100.

As also earlier described, the particular length of the barrier stakes116, 118 in accordance with the invention, are not limited to anyparticular dimension. Further, the space between the barrier stakes 114may be such that the stakes 114 are equidistant from adjacent ones ofthe barrier stakes 114. Alternatively, the spacing of the barrier stakes114 can be varied along the longitudinal length of the barrierassemblies 100. Still further, distances or widths between like barrierstakes 116 and like barrier stakes 118 can be made equal across thelongitudinal length of the assembly 100. Alternatively, these widthsbetween adjacent ones of like kinds of the barrier stakes 114 can differalong the length of the fence assembly 100. For example, in oneexperimental embodiment undertaken by the inventors, the widths betweenadjacent ones of the barrier stakes 114 was 2.0 in inches, and was madeconstant throughout the length of the fence assembly 100.Correspondingly, the distance between like ones of the barrier stakes114 (i.e. the distance between barrier stakes 116 and the distancebetween barrier stakes 118) can be made constant at 4.0 inches. Stillfurther, the overall length of the barrier stakes 116 and 118 can bevaried across the fence assembly 100. Alternatively, and if desired,each of the barrier stakes 116 can be made equal in length to each ofthe others of the barrier stakes 116. Correspondingly, each of thebarrier stakes 118 can be made equal in length to the others of thebarrier stakes 118. In experimental embodiment developed by theinventors, the overall length of the barrier stakes 116 were 9.0 inches.Correspondingly, the overall length of the barrier stakes 118 were 18.0inches. In addition, the length of each of the beveled lower ends 124and 126 were made equal to each other in one experimental embodiment,with the length of each beveled section being 0.75 inches. As previouslydescribed, each of the beveled lower ends 124 and 126 are beveled to arelatively sharp point 132 and 134, respectively.

Still further, and without departing from the spirit and scope of thenovel concepts of the invention, the specific dimensions, includinglength and overall cross-sectional dimensions of the support brace 140can be varied. In an experimental embodiment developed by the inventors,the overall length of the support brace 140 in the longitudinaldirection was 33.0 inches. Further, the cross section of the supportbrace 140 was in the form of a rectangular tube. With this tube, theinterior side 142 and exterior side 144 each measured 0.75 inches.Correspondingly, the top side 146 and bottom side or surface 148 of thesupport brace 140 also each measured 0.75 inches. In addition, withrespect to the relative location of the support brace 140 along thebarrier stakes 114, the distance from the upper weldments 156 to the topof each of the barrier stakes 114 was, in the experimental embodiment,equal to approximately 1.25 inches. Again, it should be emphasized thatthese dimensions can be modified without departing from the novelconcepts of the invention.

With the barrier fence body 102 positioned adjacent the adjacent fence104, and with the barrier fence body 102 being assembled on-site or atthe manufacture site, the barrier fence body 102 can then be forced intothe earth 112 beneath the ground surface 110 at a position relativelyclose to the adjacent fence 104. Such configuration is illustrated inFIG. 1, as well as in FIGS. 6 and 7. The barrier fence body 102 can bepositioned beneath the ground surface 110 at a depth as considereddesirable by the installers or users. Preferably, however, the barrierfence body 102 should be sized and configured relative to the desireddepth to which the barrier stakes 114 will be sunk. This desired depthshould be one where the support brace 140 remains above ground, asparticularly shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Correspondingly, the apertures 136of the barrier stakes 116, and the apertures 138 of the barrier stakes118, should correspondingly be maintained above the ground surface 110at a height that facilitates accessibility to the installer or user.This accessibility is required not only to sink the barrier fence body102 below the ground surface 110, but also to releasably couple theentirety of the barrier fence assembly 100 to the adjacent fence 104.For this purpose, a set of wire ties 160 can be utilized. The t can beconstructed of flexible steel, plastic, coated paper or other materialswhich are manually manipulable by an installer or user (and yet stillhave sufficient rigidity when coupled to the adjacent fence 104), sothat installers and users can decouple or otherwise disconnect theadjacent fence 104 from the barrier fence assembly 100 when desired. Thecoupling for interconnection of the barrier fence assembly 100 throughthe use of the ties 160 is particularly shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6. FIG.5 illustrates a tie 160 being manipulated and received through anaperture 136 of a barrier stake 116. Correspondingly, FIG. 6 illustratesties 160 being received through an aperture 136 of a barrier stake 116,as well as a second tie 160 being received through the aperture 138 ofan adjacent one of the barrier stakes 118. When received through theapertures 136 and 138, the ties 160 can then be received between variousones of the adjacent fence wires 106 and through the spatial openings107. The ties 160 can then be manually twisted or otherwise tied so asto provide for a relatively secure coupling of the barrier fenceassembly 100 to the adjacent fence 104. One advantage in accordance withcertain aspects of the invention associated with the barrier fenceassemblies 100 is the capability of obtaining the requisite ties 160 ina commercially and readily available manner, in the form of twist tiesor mesh fence ties which can be found at many retail hardware stores and“big box” establishments.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view showing the barrier fence body 102, with thebarrier stakes 116, 118 removed from the horizontal support brace 140.The position shown in FIG. 7 of the relative elements would be theposition of these elements during manufacture or other assembly of thebarrier fence body 102, where the barrier stakes 116 and 118 arepositioned so as to be received through the upper apertures 150 andlower apertures 152 within the support brace 140.

Another embodiment of a barrier fence assembly in accordance with theinvention is described in subsequent paragraphs herein as barrier fenceassembly 200, illustrated primarily in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10. As earlierstated, the barrier fence bodies of assemblies in accordance with theinvention can be utilized with not only wire mesh fences as described inprior paragraphs herein, but also with various other types of fenceassemblies.

With reference to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, a barrier fence assembly 200 isillustrated with a barrier fence body 202. The barrier fence body 202has a number of elements which are substantially identical tocorresponding elements of the barrier fence assembly 100 and barrierfence body 102. For example, the barrier fence body 202, like thebarrier fence body 102, includes barrier stakes 114 comprising a firstset of barrier stakes 116, and an alternating second set of barrierstakes 118. The barrier stakes 116, 118 include main bodies 120, 122 andbeveled lower ends 124, 126, respectively. In addition, the firstbarrier stakes 116 include an upper section 128, while a second set ofbarrier stakes 118 include upper sections 130. The beveled lower ends124 of the stakes 116 terminate in a point 132, while the lower ends 126of the barrier stakes 118 terminate in a point 134.

The barrier fence bodies 202 further comprise a support brace 140,having an interior side 142 and exterior side 144. The brace 140 alsoincludes a top side 146 and bottom side 148. Still further, the brace140 includes upper apertures 150, and lower apertures 152 spaced apart adistance as desired between the barrier stakes 114. The stakes 114 aresecured to the support brace 140 through weldments 154.

In addition to the foregoing elements, the barrier fence assembly 200includes a set of horizontally disposed apertures 204 extending throughthe top ends of each of the barrier stakes 116 and 118. Morespecifically, a first set of apertures 206 extends through the first setof barrier stakes 116, while a second set of apertures 208 extendsthrough a second set of barrier stakes 118. To install, the barrierstakes 116, 118 are positioned with a barrier fence body 202 so that thestakes 116, 118 are positioned substantially flush with thecorresponding fence 216. More specifically, in the embodiment shown withbarrier fence assembly 200, a wooden slat fence 216 is illustrated,again with respect to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10. The wooden slat fence 216 canbe any of a number of fences which, unlike the wire mesh fence discussedearlier, the wooden slat fence 216 is adapted for use where additionalvisual privacy is desired, compared to the previously described wiremesh fence, which utilizes spatial openings which allow a substantiallyclear view from one side of the fence to another.

The wooden slat fence 216 comprises a set of substantially identicalslats 218, with the slats 218 being vertically disposed and essentiallyadjacent to each other, with narrow openings between adjacent slats 218.The slats can be coupled together through the use of horizontallydisposed cross pieces 220, as well as vertically disposed spikes orsimilar elements (not shown) which can be connected to the slats 218 andcan be positioned as desired for location of the wooden slat fence 216.

In distinction of the barrier fence assembly 200 relative to thepreviously described barrier fence assembly 100, the means forreleasably securing together barrier fence assembly 200 is somewhat moresophisticated with respect to the means for releasably coupling thebarrier fence assembly 200 to the slats 218 of the wooden slat fence216. More specifically, the longitudinal position of the apertures 204is substantially horizontal when each of the barrier stakes 116, 118 ismounted substantially flush with a face of the slats 218 of the woodenslat fence 216. When the barrier fence assembly 200 has beenappropriately mounted relative to the wooden slat fence 216, the barrierfence body 202 can then be driven into the earth 112. When the stakes116, 118 have been driven a sufficient distance into the earth 112, theindividual slats 116, 118 can be separately and releasably secured tothe slats 218. Specifically, connectors 210 (which may be in the form ofa flathead wood screw or the like) can be received through each of thefirst set of apertures 206 and the second apertures 208 associated withthe barrier stakes 116, 118, respectively. With the connectors 210received through the apertures 206, 208, the connectors 210 each includea smooth section 212. The connectors 210 are dimensioned so that whenthe connectors 210 are fully received within the apertures 206, 208, thesmooth section 212 is positioned substantially in the middle of each ofthe apertures 206, 208. Correspondingly, with the connectors 210 havinga threaded section 214 with a screw-like taper, they can be utilized todrill into each of the slats 218 and rigidly couple the connector 210 tothe wooden slat fence 216. With this coupling, and with the connectors210 being assumed to be a threaded screw or the like, the connectors 210(and the correspondingly coupled stakes 116, 118) will be rigidlycoupled together with the fence 216.

As with other embodiments described herein, the barrier fence assembly200 is not necessarily limited to the specific embodiment describedherein. For example, it could be in the form of something other than theuse of wooden slats. Further, the previous paragraphs described conceptsassociated with coupling the barrier fence assembly. For example, thewire ties 160 utilized with the barrier fence assembly 100 could bereplaced by some other type of connecting means, or the like. Withrespect to the barrier fence assembly 100, it would be best to utilizesome type of a tie or connection which would not impair the view fromone side of the fence to another. Still other elements could besubstituted for those described herein, without departing from thespirit and scope of the novel concepts of the invention.

Still further, an advantageous concept associated with barrier fenceassemblies in accordance with the invention can be formed as elongatedstructures of variable length by installing the barrier fence assemblywith two or more barrier fence bodies adjacent to each other. With suchconfiguration, the entirety of the barrier fence assembly 100,comprising two or more barrier fence bodies 102, can be structured forany desired length. Still further, while the barrier fence bodies 102may be aligned in a straight line configuration, the barrier fencebodies 102 may also be positioned in an angled configuration. Such anangled configuration, forming a corner section, is shown in FIG. 11 fora plurality of the barrier fence bodies 102. In fact, any number ofdifferent patterns of a barrier fence assembly 100 can be constructed bypositioning individual barrier fence bodies 102 in differing verticalplanes.

In addition to use as a barrier fence assembly, the embodimentsdescribed herein could be utilized for other purposes where a belowground barrier would be of substantial benefit, independent ofpreventing burrowing dogs and various rodents from crossing a belowground boundary. In particular, barrier fence assemblies in accordancewith the invention are almost entirely below ground, and do not wastematerials and costs with elements which do not provide the below groundfeature. Further barrier fence assemblies in accordance with theinvention can vary in width and depth. In addition, barrier elementsother than the stakes and the lengths of horizontal support braces canalso vary, even within a single barrier system. In particular, thebarrier fence assemblies in accordance with the invention have theadvantage of being modular. Additionally, no sophisticated tools arerequired for purposes of installation of the barrier fence assemblies.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the pertinent arts that otherembodiments of barrier fences in accordance with the invention can bedesigned. That is, the principles of barrier fences in accordance withthe invention are not limited to the specific embodiment describedherein. Accordingly, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat modifications and other variations of the above-describedillustrative embodiment of the invention may be effected withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the novel concept of theinvention.

1. A barrier fence assembly for preventing traverse of certain animalsacross a desired boundary below a ground surface, said barrier fenceassembly being adapted to be coupled to an adjacent fence or otherbarrier having a substantial portion extending a finite height abovesaid ground surface, said barrier fence assembly comprising: a barrierfence body comprising a plurality of vertically disposed and elongatedbarrier stakes adapted to be spaced apart and sunk into earth below saidground surface, each of said barrier stakes having an upper sectionextending above said ground surface; said barrier fence body furthercomprising a horizontal support brace having an elongated configurationextending across a width of said barrier fence body; said horizontalsupport brace having a top side and a bottom side, with a plurality ofupper apertures extending through said top side and a correspondingplurality of lower apertures extending through said bottom side; saidupper sections of each of said barrier stakes extending throughindividual ones of said upper apertures and said corresponding lowerapertures; and said barrier fence assembly further comprises couplingmeans for coupling said barrier fence body to said adjacent fence.
 2. Abarrier fence assembly in accordance with claim 1, characterized in thatsaid coupling means for coupling said barrier fence body to saidadjacent fence comprises: a plurality of coupling apertures, each ofsaid apertures extending horizontally through a corresponding one ofsaid barrier stakes within said upper section thereof, and positionedabove a horizontal plane through which said horizontal support braceextends; and means extending through said coupling apertures fordirectly coupling said upper sections of said barrier stakes to saidadjacent fence.
 3. A barrier fence assembly in accordance with claim 2,characterized in that said means extending through said couplingapertures provides for releasable coupling of said barrier fenceassembly to said adjacent fence.
 4. A barrier fence assembly inaccordance with claim 3, characterized in that said means for releasablycoupling comprises flexible wire ties which are extended through saidcoupling apertures and around fencing elements of said adjacent fence.5. A barrier fence assembly in accordance with claim 4, characterized inthat said adjacent fence is a wire mesh fence.
 6. A barrier fenceassembly in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that said meansextending through said coupling apertures comprise a series of screws orbolts extending through materials which form elements of said adjacentfence.
 7. A barrier fence assembly in accordance with claim 6,characterized in that said adjacent fence comprises a wooden slat fence.8. A barrier fence assembly in accordance with claim 7, characterized inthat said bolts or screws comprise a series of tapered wood screws.
 9. Abarrier fence assembly in accordance with claim 1, characterized in thatsaid vertically disposed and elongated barrier stakes each comprise alowermost end having a downwardly tapered configuration.
 10. A barrierfence assembly in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that each ofsaid tapered ends of said barrier stakes terminates at its lowermostportion in a relatively sharp point.
 11. A barrier fence assembly inaccordance with claim 1, characterized in that said plurality of barrierstakes comprise stakes of differing lengths.
 12. A barrier fenceassembly in accordance with claim 11, characterized in that saidplurality of barrier stakes comprise a first set of barrier stakes, eachhaving a first length, and a second set of barrier stakes, each having asecond length.
 13. A barrier fence assembly in accordance with claim 12,characterized in that said first set of barrier stakes are alternatelyspaced apart with said second set of barrier stakes along a length ofsaid horizontal support brace.
 14. A barrier fence assembly inaccordance with claim 12, characterized in that said first length ofsaid first set of barrier stakes is one-half of said second length ofsaid second set of barrier stakes.
 15. A barrier fence assembly inaccordance with claim 1, characterized in that: each of said barrierstakes further comprises a main body positioned below said upper sectionand integral with said upper section, and a lower end positioned belowsaid main body and integral therewith; each of said lower ends comprisesa beveled or downwardly tapered configuration; and each of said mainbodies has a cross-sectional configuration substantially identical tocross-sectional configurations of said upper sections of said barrierstakes.
 16. A barrier fence assembly in accordance with claim 15,characterized in that said cross-sectional configurations of said mainbody and said upper section of each of said barrier stakes arecylindrical in shape.
 17. A barrier fence assembly in accordance withclaim 16, characterized in that each of said barrier stakes isconstructed as a solid steel rod.
 18. A barrier fence assembly inaccordance with claim 17, characterized in that: said main body of eachof said barrier stakes has a cross-sectional diameter of approximately0.375 inches; each of said lower ends of said barrier stakes is of alongitudinal dimension of approximately 0.75 inches in length; and eachof said first set of barrier stakes has an overall length ofapproximately 9.0 inches, while each of said second set of barrierstakes has an overall length of approximately 18.0 inches.
 19. A barrierfence assembly in accordance with claim 17, characterized in that eachof said barrier stakes is spaced apart from adjacent ones of saidbarrier stakes by approximately 2.0 inches.
 20. A barrier fence assemblyin accordance with claim 17, characterized in that each of said couplingapertures is of a diameter of approximately 5/32 inches.
 21. A barrierfence assembly in accordance with claim 17, characterized in that eachof said upper sections of said barrier stakes extends upwardly beyondthe said top side of said horizontal brace a vertical distance ofapproximately 1.25 inches.
 22. A barrier fence assembly in accordancewith claim 17, characterized in that said horizontal support bracecomprises a square cross-sectional configuration, with each side of saidcross-sectional configuration, including said top side and said bottomside, being of a dimension of approximately 0.75 inches.
 23. A barrierfence assembly in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that: saidbarrier fence assembly can be formed with a plurality of said barrierfence bodies; and said barrier fence bodies are sized and configured soas to be stackable one on top of the other in a relatively compactconfiguration.
 24. A barrier fence assembly in accordance with claim 1,characterized in that: said barrier fence assembly can be formed with aplurality of said barrier fence bodies; and said barrier fence assemblyis modular in design in that a size of said barrier fence assembly canbe modified by adding or subtracting identical ones of said barrierfence bodies adjacent to an adjacent fence line.
 25. A barrier fenceassembly in accordance with claim 24, characterized in that said barrierfence assembly formed with a plurality of barrier fence bodies isconfigured so that said barrier fence bodies form a straight lineconfiguration along said adjacent fence line.
 26. A barrier fenceassembly in accordance with claim 24, characterized in that said barrierfence assembly formed with a plurality of barrier fence bodies isconfigured so that at least two of said barrier fence bodies are angledrelative to each other or are otherwise in differing vertical planes.27. A barrier fence assembly in accordance with claim 1, characterizedin that said upper sections of said barrier stakes are permanentlyconnected to said horizontal support brace at said upper apertures andsaid lower apertures of said horizontal support brace.
 28. A barrierfence assembly in accordance with claim 27, characterized in that saidbarrier stakes are permanently connected to said horizontal supportbrace at weldments located at said upper apertures and said lowerapertures of said horizontal support brace.